In the early morning hours of Thursday, July 5, 2012, the life of 20-year-old Randal 'Bede' Brooks of Elmira, New York, was tragically cut short. Brooks was discovered deceased from a fatal gunshot wound outside of the Eastgate Apartments, situated at the intersection of Market and Sullivan Streets in Elmira.
An investigation into the homicide led authorities to two individuals.
Jerel Rollins, who was 20 years old at the time, was identified as the suspected shooter and subsequently faced charges of second-degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and making a false written statement. Another man, 19-year-old Jordan Rosel of Elmira, was also implicated in the events of that night. Rosel was charged with robbery and criminal possession of a weapon.
According to statements made by Rosel to the police, he was in the company of Brooks on the night of the incident. Rosel alleged that Brooks was involved in the robbery of another man in the vicinity of the Eastgate Apartments moments before the fatal shooting occurred. Rosel claimed that he fled the scene as the events unfolded and Brooks was shot. He was held at the Chemung County Jail on a $25,000 bail.
